Metal framework for umbrellas



l J. RINNE METAL FRAMEWORK FOR UMBRELLAS Filed Sept. 21, 1925 //W 0R. MTNESSES BY A ATTORNEY.

Patented Jan.. 22, 1929.

narran stares JOHN RNNE, 0F RUTLEDGE, PENNSYLVANIA.

METAL FRAMEWORK FOR UMIBRELLAS.

Application led September 21, 1925.

This invention relates to a framework, for umbrellas, parasols and other rain or sunshades in which the ribrods and handle rods are composed of small cross linkage, and in which the ribrod linkage is connected to handle rod linkage in such a way that both of thein` niove in unison and the whole unit can be closed to a `very compact forni and again quickly opened or extendedto the uinbrella forni for use. Further objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in detail description which follows:

In the accompanying drawing, Figure l, is a vertical sectional view of handlerod and one rihrodin extended or open position with a section of the former broken off to save space, and a part of the latter shownin a separate view.

Figure 2 shows the broken off extension to the ribrod shown in Figure l.

Figure 3 is a side elevation showing handle rod linkage and guide tube in extendedor open position of which the upper end cut oif.

Figure l is a sectional elevation showingl the framework folded together in closed position.

Figure 5 is a sectional plan view of framework when closed.

Figure 6 is a part section through the upper end of the handle rod showing its linkage connection to rib linkage, also showing,` small auxiliary linkage in connection with one pair of ribrods base links.

Figure 7 is a side elevation of pivot plates showing relative position of slots for hase links when frame is open.

rllhe framework is indicated generally showing only one of the ribrods, the other rods being` omitted for the sake of clearness. lt will he understood that there are several ribs located radially around the handle rod, whiehare of the saine construction as the one shown to forni the complete framework for the cover. rlhis complete framework is .made of metal,preferably strong,` aluminum alloy, or other` non-eorrodingr lnetal. The handle rod shown in Figures l and 3 consists of sinall narrow hars l, 2, 3 and t which `are connected in pairs at the center, and fastened to each other by a rivet 5. 'llhere are four bars two of which, 2 and 3, are heavier in the middle and two thinner,

l and a, on the outside, all forming a double cross linkage to give the handle rod required stiffness and strength. These cross links are Serial No. 57.676.

connected at each end to other similar linkage units by rivets, 7 and 8, to form, when eX- tended, a straight rod or center post. To the sition opposite each other when the complete inet-hanisni is in the extended or open posi tion, forni a convenient handle. At the cross point 13, the handle rod linkage is fastened to a short tube la by a rivet through the Eller pieces l5 and 16. This tuhe has slots through its sides and opposite each other extending` nearly the whole of its length to allow links 17, 18, 19 and 20 to fold out at their eon nection joints 2l and 22. 'LinkslQ and 20, which are only single bars and `half length links, are in their joint, 23, fastened to a pin, 24,-. This pin has `a head atit-s lower end with a slot, 25, for fitting` the links, and the pin itself acts as a stiffening guide for handle rod and also forms the tip foiythe umbrella, when the framework is open.

`To allow the vpin to slide freely in the tube, the heavier end is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the tube, and the thinner or upper part slides in the upper pivot plate. The pin head is fastened by a through pin, 26, to the lower pivot plate, 27, which slides up and down on the outer surface of tube, llt. The ribrods are of similar construction as handle rod with a similar joint spacing, but are composed only of single cross linkage. At the hase of the ribrodthe link, 31,-is fastened to the lower pivot plate, 27, by a pivot ring, 29, which is sunk in a groove in the plate,as shown in dotted lines, 30, Fig` ure 5.

ln the pivot plate 27 are radial slotsentendingthrough the pivot grooves to the depth of half width of the link to form a space for inserted link end. This groove is open at the top to allow the link to turn freely upwards. To this lower pivot plate is fastened. a fla-ngc, 28, to forni a hand hold for closing and openingpurposes.

'l` he upper pivot plate, 49, is of similar construction as the lower and is fastened to the upper endof the guide tube 14. It hasva hole through the center to allow pin, 24, to slide back and forth. 'To this pivot plate is fastened the link, 32, in the same manner as link, 31, is to the lower plate, 27, by 'a pivot ring, 38, through a hole in the end of the link. rlhese baselinks,` as all other links are connected to each other in pairs, by pivot rivets,

`by cur 34. Of these link bars the links in the first and second pairs, are of equal width, but then the bars in each pair gradually are made nai rower between the ends and center as shown in, Figures l and 2, to allow the whole ribrod flexibility for bending, when extended and to reduce the weight. The last pair is composed of one half length link, 85, Figure 2 and a narrow long link, 36, this longer link has at its free end a small hole, 3T, tor fastening the edge ol the cloth covering.

All the linkage joints are formed by small pins or rivets, and to allow the links freedom to move, there are at all joints, the rivet wash ers, under the rivet heads, i3 Figure 6. In the ribrods at upper connection points, in addition to the outside washers, there is a washer, 39, Figure 6, between the link ends, that is free to turn on the pin, and ithas in the outside extension a small hole, 38, for tastening the cover cloth at each joint, and to allow it to locate itself when being stretched.

This cloth is fastened at the center around the tip, 24, Figure 6, by a round thin washer, 4l, the cloth being held between the washer and upper pivot plate, these being :fastened to each other, by screws or rivets.

To allow the re uired curvature to the ribrods, which woulc otherwise throughout the whole extending motion form, a very rigid straight frame, the holes in links at their lower connections, 42, Figure 6, are slightly oblong, to allow the link ends to slide a little towards each other on the pivot pin, the outside washers acting as guides.

To open the frame, when it is closed asV shown in, Figure 4:, is very simple. The center part of the handle is held between the fingers, and while rib links are hanging downward, the whole unit is twisted with a slight sudden jerk. The centrifugal force causes the ribrods to move out, which motion is continued, by pulling the handle and pushing against the plate, E28. Through this movement the handle rod and ribrods stretch out simultaneously. When wide open, the whole iframe work is interlocking, which is caused 1ature in ribs when cloth cover is tightened. Y

T he closing movement is actuated, by pushing the handle and flange 28 towards each other. This causes all the links in both handle rods and ribrods to move to position shown in, Figure Ll. The rigidity to ribs at the root when framework is open is given by the part ot the pivotplates, which surround the link ends, when the both plates come together and slots, ell, Figure T, in one plate pass the slots in the other. These slots are not spaced in equal distances radially, the spaces being largest, which are farthest away from the handle, when frame is closcd.` This is to lessen the sideway bending of the collapsed rib linkage in the closed frame, and to make the whole unit narrower, when put in the final umbrella case, in which it may be carried. The cloth covering will fold on outside of framework, when umbrella is closed, as shown partially, 40, Figure 6, so that it does not interfere with frame linkage. To allow `more freedom to the farthest rib units, for

side turning there can be added, it necessary, short auxiliary links, 46, Figure 6, to the ends ol. base links, which are in that case cut shorter, with the ends bent outward as shown in, Figure 6. These auxiliary links are fastened to the pivot plate in the usual way, but have in their outer ends a ring ot round cross section, which goes through the slot, 48, in link cud, as shown in the drawing. The eye rings, which are turned on an angle act as on hinges, on which the rib is able to turn to a position nearly parallel with handle, when frame is closed.

It is understomlthat the invention is not limited to the precise construction as here set forth, but that it includes within its extent the constri'iction forms, which fairly come within the terms of the following claims.

Having described my invention, what I claim as my invention is l. The combination of an umbrella. framework comprising a stall, said stall composed of a series o't collapsible cross links pivotally connected together, a plurality of ribs of similar construction, means connecting said stall' and ribs to permit said stad and ribs to collapse simultaneously.

2. In a framework for an umbrella or the like, the combination of a stall' or handle rod composed of a series of collapsible cross links, a sliding guide pin at the end of said staif, and a plurality of ribs each composed of aseries oi? collapsible cross links, one link ot each rib being pivoted to the sliding guide pin, said guide pin acting as a tip for the umbrella when in open position.

3. ln ay `framework for an umbrella or the like, the combination of a stati' or handle rod composed oit' a series of collapsible cross links pivotally connected together, a plurality ot' collapsible ribs connected to one end of said stall', and a pair of sectional handle pieces carried by the links at the other end of the statt' and forming a handle when the stall' is extended.

l. In a lramcwork for an umbrella or the like, the combination of a staff or handle rod composed of a series ot collapsible cross links pivotally connected together.` a plurality of ribs ofi similar construction, means comiecting the ribs tothe stall', and means provided in the pivotal connections of the rib cross links permitting said ribs to assumes curved form.

5. In a frameivork for an uuibrclla or the like, the combination of a stall or handle rod. a plurality of ribs composed of a series of collapsible cross links pivotally connected together, a pair of pivot plates carried by the staff and provided withradial slots in which the end Cross links of the ribs are pi'votecl, the slots of one plate being' stag'ered or otl set with respect to the Slots in the other plate7 whereby said slots of one plate are Closed on the adjacent .side by the other pivot plate.

6. In a framework for an umbrella or the like, the combination of a Collapsible stall o1' handle rod, a plurality of collapsible ribs, means for connecting the ribs to the staff, a cover cloth secured to said ribs, .said frame work being looked in open position by the streteliing oi' said cover Cloth.

7. In a franlework for an umbrella or the like, the combination of a collapsible stell or handle rod, a plurality of ribs each coinposed of a series of collapsible cross links pivotally connected together, and means for Connecting said ribs to said steif, said means including auxiliary links permitting' the cross links to assume a position substantially parallel to the staff When said ribs are Col-A lapsed.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my naine this 18th day of September JOHN RINNE. 

